THE STORMS and rain could not stop the Wicked Wales International Youth Film Festival and its four-day celebrations as 200 films, all made by young people, were screened in Rhyl.
Festival events were streamed live and shared with international audiences around the world.
Events were supported by both the mayor and deputy mayor of Rhyl, with the official opening by Professor Ruth McElroy, chair of Ffilm Cymru Wales.
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On the opening night, there were reflections on the development of a new horror festival, “Rhyller Thriller”, new links with Poland, and the developments for Wicked’s film studios in Rhyl.
Schools attended on Thursday and Friday (October 19 and 20), where children watched programmes of short international films and reviewed each film with presenters.
Wicked volunteers Dylan, Ellie and Kiera wrote their comments on each film, which will be shared with international filmmakers.
Following the festival, all of the children who attended will be making individual characters, which will be made into an animated film.
Wicked’s Ukrainian volunteers, who had been busy for weeks making crafts, presented all guests with traditional Ukrainian gifts and with the children singing and entertaining guests at the festival’s International reception.
As well as the events in the Town Hall, films were screened in the solar-powered mini Sol cinema, and as a Cine Bach programme in shops around the town.
Gaming became a new feature of the festival, with games being played on the big screen and with an opportunity to experience the Prestige gaming van.
The awards ceremony got off to a wonderful start as two talented young musicians launched their careers with their debut international performance at just nine years old.
Dylan Scarisbrick and George Robinson impressed the audiences with their accomplished performances.
A first for Wicked was to be able to welcome winners from Wales, who received the two top festival awards.
Mared Rees’ film, “Our Home the Sea/Adra Ni Y Mor,” received first prize in the “27-32 fiction” section, and received the jury-voted award for best film.
Luke Russell received the “Welsh Dragon Award” for the best film from Wales for his film, “Apologue 427,” in the “19-26 fiction” section.
Rhiannon Hughes, festival director, said: “The rain and flooding on the opening night could not stop the excitement and joy of the festival and a chance to see some of the award-winning films in person and online produced by young and emerging filmmakers from all over the world.
“Our team of young volunteers did an amazing job of presenting and we were delighted this year as we increased our entries from Wales and that the two top prizes were awarded to films from Wales.
“My thanks go to the Wicked team; a hardworking and inspirational team.”
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